The Mental Aspect of Hitting
By DROPBOMBS Hitting
The batter's box can be a psychologically challenging space for hitters. Confidence is essential when stepping into the box and can positively impact performance. Building confidence through practice, positive self-talk, and focusing on past successes can help batters feel more prepared and capable.
Faced with high-pressure situations, such as with runners in scoring position during crucial moments in a game can increase the pressure on hitters, requiring intense focus to stay present in the moment and shutting out distractions in order to maintain their attention on the pitcher's delivery.
Struggles and slumps are common in this sport. Hitters need to make split-second judgments on pitch selection, strike zone recognition, and swing choices. More often than not, this ends in failure as even the best hitters fail more often than they succeed. This can lead to frustration, self-doubt, in turn can lead to hitting slumps.
It's important for hitters to recognize the mental aspects of their performance. They need to learn from their mistakes and have the mental fortitude to bounce back after unsuccessful at-bats. Mental Training can help batters navigate through slumps by optimizing their mindset and implementing strategies to break out of the slump.
DROPBOMBS Hitting provides the following resources to help you on your journey:
Mental Training Journal by Lindsey Gorman
Mental Training ProgramMental Training Membership Information: Sign-Up
The DROPBOMBS Mental Training program is not a substitute for professional help. The Audio recordings nor the Journal is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. If you want to harm yourself or others, reach out now. 24hr help is available. Call 1-800-273-8255 or Text "home" to 741741
DROPBOMBS Mental Training in Action: Sophie's Story
By Yadira (Sophie’s Mom)
I cannot express how much DROPBOMBS mental training has impacted my family. About a year ago to date, my daughter Sophie was pitching at Nationals and took a hard line drive to the head, our biggest fear. She was wearing a mask but bowed down as a result of the blow.
Everything changed after that. Sophie went into a depressive state: would have panic attacks every time she heard a ball hit the bat, would flinch at loud noises, had night terrors, stopped enjoying things she usually did. She just wasn’t the same girl that went out on the mound the day that happened. It got to the point she couldn’t make it through practice without breaking down. She went from the girl who loved and begged to pitch, to completely shutting down every time she saw her softball gear.
We tried everything: other mental training courses, online seminars, consulted with doctors, and even tried hypnotherapy. She was ready to call it quits. Honestly, I was too. My little girl was no longer the happy kid and it showed in every aspect of her life outside of softball. We paused and decided to take a step back and try a change of scenery.
We had participated in DROPBOMBS clinics in the past but the 4-hour round-trip commute had prevented us from committing to regular lessons with Lindsey. Due to circumstances, we decided to give it a try.
On the way to her first lesson, Sophie told me she was thinking about quitting. I asked if she really wanted to quit or if she was just afraid. She responded by telling me that the incident kept on playing in a loop in her head all day and she wanted it to be over. We both cried on that car ride to San Diego to that “first” lesson. A lesson I thought would also be the last for my baby.
We were blessed to have had an amazing first lesson that brought a little spark back to my girl. What resonated with her the most from that lesson was what she learned from Lindsey about the mental approach and asked if we could sign up for the Mental Training program, so we did.
Sophie began to listen to the audio recordings while doing homework, showering, during car rides to practice. The recordings eventually replaced her ASMR sounds during bedtime.
She started journaling about her feelings. She worked the training drills she received from Lindsey and would challenge herself in uncomfortable situations. After more than 7 months of not being able to pitch to a live batter, she told me she wanted to start trying again. So, we did.
I could see her using the breathing techniques she had learned as she threw each pitch. She was scared but was working herself through it. I couldn’t believe it; she was back on the mound!
It has been a few months now and Sophie still has a long way to go but I am so proud of her. I’m so grateful for this Mental Training program that has impacted her in more ways than I can attest to. I feel like I got my little girl back, my little warrior.
Recently on our drive back from a DROPBOMBS hitting clinic, Sophie told me that she’s glad she didn’t quit. That she has a feeling inside and believes she’s going to be a pitcher that also hits in college. You would have had to have been part of our journey to understand how much that meant coming from the girl who would flinch at the sound of a softball a few months ago.
I can’t recommend DROPBOMBS Mental Training program enough. My daughter listens to it religiously and it has made all the difference.
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DROPBOMBS Hitting provides the following resources to help you on your journey:
Mental Training Journal by Lindsey Gorman
Mental Training ProgramMental Training Membership Information: Sign-Up
The DROPBOMBS Mental Training program is not a substitute for professional help. The Audio recordings nor the Journal is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. If you want to harm yourself or others, reach out now. 24hr help is available. Call 1-800-273-8255 or Text "home" to 741741
Mental Health Training is Critical in Today's Sports
By DROPBOMBS Hitting
Mental Health plays a significant role in an athlete’s performance and overall well-being. While many athletes focus on the physical aspects of training to enhance their physical performance. The mental aspects of sports training, i.e., coping with pressure, overcoming challenges, and maintaining overall mental well-being require the same, if not more, amount of focus and training. Here are some key topics related to Mental Health training and sports:
Performance: Training techniques aim to improve an athlete's performance by addressing factors such as goal setting, concentration, motivation, confidence, and visualization. Athletes can learn strategies to optimize their mental focus, manage distractions, and develop positive self-talk.
Stress and Anxiety: Athletes often face intense pressure, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Training the mind helps athletes develop effective coping mechanisms to manage pre-competition nerves, performance anxiety, and the stress associated with high-stakes situations.
Burnout: Overtraining and burnout can have detrimental effects on an athlete's mental well-being. Training helps athletes identify signs of burnout, establish work-life balance, and develop strategies for stress management and self-care.
Setbacks: Athletes may encounter setbacks, such as losses, failures, or performance slumps, which can affect their confidence and motivation. Training supports athletes in bouncing back from setbacks, developing resilience, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Mental Health training provides a well-rounded approach to an athlete's physical and mental well-being and should be a part of every athlete’s training regimen.
DROPBOMBS Hitting provides the following resources to help you on your journey:
Mental Training Journal by Lindsey Gorman
Mental Training Membership Information: Sign-Up
The DROPBOMBS Mental Training program is not a substitute for professional help. The Audio recordings nor the Journal is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. If you want to harm yourself or others, reach out now. 24hr help is available. Call 1-800-273-8255 or Text "home" to 741741
Mental Training Skills are Crucial for Young Athletes
By DROPBOMBS Hitting
Mental health is a crucial aspect to consider in youth sports as it can significantly impact the enjoyment of the sport, long-term participation, development of young athletes, and overall well-being of our youth.
Healthy competition is essential for their growth and personal development. It teaches important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, goal setting, fair play, and good sportsmanship. But today’s young athletes often face various pressures, including parental expectations, coach pressure, and the desire to succeed. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout which can cause them to experience a range of emotions such as frustration, disappointment, and self-doubt. It can be a very emotionally challenging time for our young athletes. So it’s also important to focus on the enjoyment of the sport and personal growth rather than solely on performance and winning.
It is essential to recognize signs of mental health issues in young athletes, such as persistent sadness, withdrawal, sudden changes in behavior, or a decline in academic performance. Addressing these concerns and providing the appropriate support, which may include seeking professional help from a mental health expert should be a priority.
Introducing young athletes to basic mental training skills can have long-lasting benefits. It is crucial nowadays to teach young athletes how to manage their emotions, develop resilience, and cope with setbacks in a healthy manner. Mental training techniques such as goal setting, visualization, positive self-talk, and relaxation exercises can enhance their performance, build confidence, and improve their ability to handle stress.
Coaches, parents, and administrators can all play a part to create opportunities for dialogue and provide resources for mental health support when needed. Encouraging a balanced lifestyle that includes academics, social activities, and time for relaxation can also contribute to overall mental well-being and foster a positive sports experience.
DROPBOMBS Hitting provides the following resources to help you on your journey:
Mental Training Journal by Lindsey Gorman
Mental Training ProgramMental Training Membership Information: Sign-Up
The DROPBOMBS Mental Training program is not a substitute for professional help. The Audio recordings nor the Journal is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. If you want to harm yourself or others, reach out now. 24hr help is available. Call 1-800-273-8255 or Text "home" to 741741